Aiming for an end beyond

Celebrate Freedom!

For those of us in the United States, we celebrate Independence Day tomorrow. This independence brought about a number of freedoms that we enjoy, including the freedom of religion. We are able to worship God where we choose, how we choose, and when we choose. We take this freedom for granted until we see brothers and sisters in Christ who not only don’t have this freedom, but are also persecuted for their faith. If you are in this situation, know that we are praying for you earnestly.

This freedom we celebrate is a fragile and earthly freedom. It pales in comparison to the freedom we have through Christ. Freedom doesn’t come free. We remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives for the freedoms we have. We who are in Christ also know that our freedom from sin wasn’t free. Christ paid the price for our sin through His death on the cross. The difference for us is that He lives today! And not only do we have freedom from sin, but that sacrifice allowed us the opportunity to enter heaven’s gates to live eternally with Him and our Father.

Our earthly freedom is a fragile one. It must be fought for every day, not only by our soldiers, but also by those of us who are citizens. Our liberties are threatened daily as Satan takes every approach to see that these freedoms are taken away. That is why we are told so many times in the Bible to stand firm. Most see these threats as flesh and blood, but we know that our fight is a spiritual one.

But if our freedom has been won through the blood of Christ, why are we fighting? Satan wants to do everything he can to discredit us and Christ, and to steal souls. Our witness to others is crucial. If we can show the love of God through our lives, through our actions and words, we may lead others to know this love. It’s not easy; it is war. We must be prepared to do battle each day. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-17, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Celebrate freedom tomorrow with us. Not just our earthly freedoms, but our freedom through Christ!

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17